1.To determine the frequency of the mouthpiece as played by the lips, we created a box containing
Artificial Lips (See display). Copper tubing is inserted to the back and is connected to an air supply via
sturdy tubing.

2.Compressed air travels into the box, which is pressurized, and vibrates the latex tubing against the
mouthpiece, creating a buzzing sound.

3.Frequencies and pitches of four different mouthpieces are recorded using computer equipment and a
Korg Orchestral Tuner.

Results

Our data shows no apparent correlation between mass and frequency. There is a fairly significant correlation between rim size and frequency, as shown by the graph. This agrees with the widely held belief that rim mass plays a significant factor in the ability to play in the high register. --There seems to be a slight correlation between outer cup diameter and frequency, being that a smaller outer cup size apparently means a higher frequency. --There is an apparent direct correlation between inner cup size and frequency, being that a smaller inner cup diameter (diameter of interior cup at the top) and frequency.

Conclusions/Discussion

Our conclusion is that the size of the rim directly determines the frequency (pitch) produced by a mouthpiece, the pressure of air does not affect the pitch, and mass does not necessarily affect the pitch emitted from a mouthpiece.

The project is about how do variations of brass horns and mouthpieces affect the sound ultimately produced by a brass
instrument?